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The DofE Award

Complete your Gold residential with us.

If you are taking on a 7-day Ridge, 14-day Summit or our 19-day Pinnacle adventure with us, you can count this as your Gold Residential.

All you need to do is get it approved by your award organiser (your APP) before your adventure takes place to meet DofE award requirements.

Then when you've completed your adventure your APP need to sign off the residential element.

Prince Philip visits Aberdovey

Outward Bound and the DofE

Not everyone know’s this, but when the Duke of Edinburgh was growing up he was taught by Kurt Hahn. The very same Kurt Hahn that co founded Outward Bound! Small world, right?

In fact, the guy made such an impression on His Royal Highness that he inspired him to set up his very own DofE Award, based on the old Moray Badge at Gordonstoun school. No wonder we’ve got so much in common!

It’s no accident that the DofE was also our Patron for over 65 years. Helping us spread our mission and Kurt Hahn’s motto to over 30 countries and millions of young people worldwide: “there is more in you than you think”.

Kurt Hahn's Five Pillars

GOLD AWARD

Any of our 7, 14 or 19-day adventures qualify for the residential element. Our 5 Day adventures cannot be used.

Choose your adventure

FAQs and important information

Do I need to let anyone know I'm doing parts of my DofE with Outward Bound?

Yes, make sure you tell your school, scout group or whoever you enrolled with that you plan to complete your residential with us (that's your APP) before the adventure takes place - they'll need to approve and sign it off. Once you've completed your adventure, you can use your certificate as evidence.

Does Outward Bound meet the DofE requirements for residential experience?

Yes. A 7-day, 14-day, or 19-day adventure with us can count as your Gold Residential.

We meet DofE requirements for residential experience as we are a registered charity (you just need to get this signed off by your organiser, AAP)

Can I backdate my adventure so it qualifies for my residential?

• Yes, any of our summer adventures can be backdated by up to 3 months and still count towards the residential section of your DofE Award. However, you should make sure that you backdate from the start date of your adventure, not the end.
• In the event of you taking part in one of our adventures before enrolling on the DofE Award; you will need to make sure that the person who registers you enters a DofE start date that predates your adventure with us.
• When backdating for residentials you should also be sure that you took part in Outward Bound when you were 16, which is the minimum age you can participate in the DofE Gold Award.

If in doubt, speak to your DofE Leader to check.